I have literally no money!

euronorris

Mmmmm, let me have another think then, but the dinner with boyfriend sounds nice.

You could make a special meal (or rather, get him to make it for you!), have some candles, put a movie on and just relax. I don't know why some people think that celebrating always has to involve going out. Sometimes I enjoy nothing better than doing....well nothing!

I have a voucher that someone gave me back in Feb for 'High Tea for Two' that I plan to use on my birthday. Other than that, I will just be enjoying a day off at home with the bf.

I originally had plans to go back to the UK for my birthday but then, well other stuff happened and I had to go back sooner than expected and my budget for the 'birthday trip' disappeared.

But, we make the best of what we have

BigMummaF

Could you have a romantic picnic for your b'day BIW? Haven't a clue where abouts you are, or what is around locally, but may even be worth a bus journey to get to the park/river/beach Weather can be a pain, but with the love of a good fella, the biggest raindrops shouldn't dampen your spirit A flask of home-made soup with some rustic rolls--perhaps a packet of bread mix & make your own--& a big chunk of home-made fruit cake....
How do you feel about little white lies? Would it be too terrible to tell your friend you are saving every penny to get a...:rolleyes: piece of exercise equipment, seeing as you enjoy that kind of thing, or a bike for work? As a "self-defining challenge" or even a deposit on a place of your own. If she still can't let it drop, maybe she isn't as good at the friendship thing as you'd once thought....

Paul_Varjak

I have only read a little of this thread, but would you not qualify for Tax Credits if you are on a low income?

firesidemaid

re. going away with your friend.

could you try and book a £9 travelodge room for a night or two? you can either share the double bed or one of you sleep on the pullout (perfectly comfy). try and make it somewhere where you could also get a cheap coach or megabus/train ticket too.

almost use it as a challenge for you and your friend to have the cheapest weekend or break away ever!? (sometimes midweek can be cheaper than weekends).

you could also then have cheap eats at pizza hut, or use vouchers from this site for other restaurant deals.......good luck x

timmmers

I haven't read all of this thread, quite a chunk tho.

You have one thing that you should be a very proud of ...a lot of women would get a bloke to pay for everything or move on until they found one that would if he didn't. Footballers wife syndrome type of thing.

It looks to me as if you don't even expect the bare minimum from your guy. I hope he realises that's unusual and treats you. if he can.

You had some poor luck from what I've seen, but there's one certain thing about luck...it changes.

ATB

t

Mooey65

*****Best Thread Yet*****

Wow what a great lot of help this read has been for me. Well done for opening up BIW. This has not only helped me and my lady am sure most people on here.

Am still looking for less then 10p beans tho lol.

My new shopping time now is 21.30 not 18.00 bread at 2p is great.

Lots of love for this thread xxx

brokeinwales

You know, sometimes the problem with moneysaving is that even bargains cost money. When you're skint the fact that something is good value is almost irrelevant. It's not a matter of "Oh I can get X for £20 when it normally costs £100" it's a matter of "I don't have £20 spare."

Just a random thought for the day there.... was mulling over last night what a big bearing money has on people's lives. You can say it's not important if you've got love and friends and all the metaphsysical nice things - and yeh, money is less important than that stuff - but it affects so many other things, can cause a lot of stress when you don't know where your next meal is coming from, or whether you'll be able to keep a roof over your head (as I know only too well!).
It'd be nice not to care about money. It'd be nice not to have to! To be honest I'm so preoccupied by it I probably bore people ***tless talking about various financial things. It's such a focal point in my life, I feel like paying off debts has become a defining aspect of my character now - like all my decisions revolve around the amount of money I have available (or unavailable).

I don't have debts, they have me!

But, we make the best of what we have

motto for the week I think!

Thanks for all the birthday ideas, I actually really love the picnic idea btw.

would you not qualify for Tax Credits if you are on a low income?

I looked into this a while ago and I believe I was jsut slightly above the threshold (although that was while I was living with my ex and they took his into account, so perhaps I'll look again)

How do you feel about little white lies? Would it be too terrible to tell your friend you are saving every penny to get a...:rolleyes: piece of exercise equipment, seeing as you enjoy that kind of thing, or a bike for work? As a "self-defining challenge" or even a deposit on a place of your own

Well, that would actually be kind of true, because once I get out of the mess I would very much like to start saving a deposit for a house/flat - it's just that I happen to be starting below zero!

Although she is supposedly "saving" herself (I can't imagine she's getting very far with that at the moment, but none of my beeswax...)

You have one thing that you should be a very proud of ...a lot of women would get a bloke to pay for everything or move on until they found one that would if he didn't. Footballers wife syndrome type of thing.

Oh no, I really couldn't! I mean the odd treat is nice, he does take me out for drinks occasionally, and treated us to a yummy takeaway last week - but I would feel totally uncomfortable expecting someone else to pay for my enjoyment. I don't even really like my parents doing it.
Although I don't earn very much and I don't manage it so well (but am getting better obv!), I am quite proud that I'm paying off my debts off my own back, through my own work.

pavan_2

My rent and bills for the month are paid, and I don't have to make any debt repayments until after next pay day. I've worked out if I get up early enough I can walk to and from work every day, so no travel costs. But I DO need to buy food - I have a few tins of tomatoes and beans in the cupboard, three quorn sausages in the freezer, one onion, some teabags, an

vuittondreamer

Have you checked coat pockets and trousers to see if there's any change in them, look through all your drawers, and check down the back of chairs and settees, also your washing machine filter (i found a two pound coin in mine a few weeks ago) also i know this sounds silly but look on the floor when working to work for loose change (that's how that woman who lived on a pound a day survived) also check phone boxes and Parking metres (You'll be amazed!)
Have your got any old euro coins lying around? collect them together and take them to a bureau de change Good luck.

Oops sorry didn't read all of the thread silly billy aren't i, hope my posts inspires others though!

poorbabe

Hi BIW and others. This has got to be one of the most inspiring threads I've come across in a long time. Confirmation that the UK is not (completely) going to the dogs!

BIW, you are doing really well so ONE STEP AT A TIME with lots of smiles and self-encouragement (we'll add the rest). Life can be scary, frightening, depressing but, as you now know, there are people out there who are willing to help. Lean on us and we'll help you get through it, then when your time comes you can pass it on*.


*Worked for me in my time of need (lasted years!) but I now pass 'it' on whenever I can. My DFD is taking a while but I know I'll get there.

Just noticed my third star. Woo hoo!! :j